Acceleration is a process where the same material that students usually cover at school is moved through in a shorter time. Acceleration is usually contrasted with enrichment, where the standard material is covered in more depth (moving sideways in terms of the levels of the curriculum rather than up). It is sometimes seen as the 'easier' option as it lessens the need for teachers to produce new resources. There are a number of ways acceleration can occur in schools.
Compacting
Curriculum compacting is covering the same material in a shorter period of time. This may occur through removing some of the more simple concepts in a unit, or by simply moving at a more rapid pace. Advantages: Pace more suited to highly able students. Necessary material for furture years is covered. Disadvantages: This creates a gap that the classroom teacher must fill for the gifted students. It may be difficult to find a pace to suit multiple students with differing levels of giftedness.
Skipping a year
Students may skip a year in one or more subjects. This may be with a group of students, or only for individuals. Some schools have special tests to decide on this, in other cases it is based on parent-, self- or teacher nomination. Advantages: Little change in teaching required. Students may advance to more difficult work earlier. Disadvantages: Students may struggle with the social aspects of skipping, especially when skipping in multiple subjects.
Extramural or Correspondence study
Some students may take university, or other more advanced courses extramurally or by correspondence. Advantages: Students can have work highly suited to their abilities and/or interests. Student may remain at school, with their peers. Disadvantages: Students may be isolated by their different work (this sometimes occurs in a separate room). The teacher may be unable to assist with the material.
Acceleration of gifted students
Acceleration is a process where the same material that students usually cover at school is moved through in a shorter time. Acceleration is usually contrasted with enrichment, where the standard material is covered in more depth (moving sideways in terms of the levels of the curriculum rather than up). It is sometimes seen as the 'easier' option as it lessens the need for teachers to produce new resources. There are a number of ways acceleration can occur in schools.
Compacting
Curriculum compacting is covering the same material in a shorter period of time. This may occur through removing some of the more simple concepts in a unit, or by simply moving at a more rapid pace. Advantages: Pace more suited to highly able students. Necessary material for furture years is covered. Disadvantages: This creates a gap that the classroom teacher must fill for the gifted students. It may be difficult to find a pace to suit multiple students with differing levels of giftedness.
Skipping a year
Students may skip a year in one or more subjects. This may be with a group of students, or only for individuals. Some schools have special tests to decide on this, in other cases it is based on parent-, self- or teacher nomination. Advantages: Little change in teaching required. Students may advance to more difficult work earlier. Disadvantages: Students may struggle with the social aspects of skipping, especially when skipping in multiple subjects.
Extramural or Correspondence study
Some students may take university, or other more advanced courses extramurally or by correspondence. Advantages: Students can have work highly suited to their abilities and/or interests. Student may remain at school, with their peers. Disadvantages: Students may be isolated by their different work (this sometimes occurs in a separate room). The teacher may be unable to assist with the material.